Undiagnosed dementia halts valuable care
A new study has shown thousands of dementia sufferers are missing out on valuable treatment and support, with at least half not being diagnosed at all. The study has damaging effects on high-income countries like Australia, and the main concern is that the delay in diagnosis could deny dementia sufferers the opportunity to receive valuable information, treatment, care and support.
A new study has shown thousands of dementia sufferers are missing out on valuable treatment and support, with at least half not being diagnosed at all.
The study has damaging effects on high-income countries like Australia, and the main concern is that the delay in diagnosis could deny dementia sufferers the opportunity to receive valuable information, treatment, care and support.
Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive, Glenn Rees, says two international reports released this week indicates the need for a national strategy to promote the early diagnosis of dementia and interventions through raising awareness and improved training of health and social workers.
The report, released by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and prepared by the Institute of Psychiatry Kings College London, concludes that in high income countries, only 20% to 50% of people living with dementia are “recognised” and documented in primary care.
Another report released by Alzheimer’s Australia, Timely Diagnosis of Dementia; Can we do better?, also finds that in some cases, it takes an average of three years before diagnosis is made.
The report identifies strategies to overcome barriers preventing diagnosis, which may include the misconception that dementia is a normal part of ageing; denial on the part of the individual or family; the complexity of diagnosing dementia and doctors’ reluctance to “damage” their relationship with their patient.
Some of the strategies Alzheimer’s Australia identifies as important to overpowering diagnosis barriers include awareness campaigns and to obtain a better understanding of dementia, training and education to support GPs and the use of practice nurses in screening those concerned about their memories.
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